6-Day Self-Guided Donkey Hike – “On the way to the Mediterranean Sea”

From village to village to the sea. A pleasant walk.

Short Description

This walk takes you from the foot of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. You discover the inland area of the Costa Brava. Our friendly donkeys accompany you from one accommodation to the next, through picturesque villages, idyllic olive groves, surrounded by vineyards, through the Albera Nature Park until you finally reach the Mediterranean sea. It is here, on the last day of the hike, that you can discover the small, idyllic coves of the nature reserve “Cap Ras”. Stop and relax. The difficulty of this hike does not really require any prior experience in handling of a donkey, nevertheless, we recommend newcomers to make the first day of the hike accompanied by an experienced donkey guide. But anyhow, before you depart we will give you the proper instruction required, explain how to properly care for, pack and lead the donkeys. If there are any problems we are of course always immediately ready to help.

The Hike

Day 1: Arrival

The holiday starts right after the arrival: Roberto the host of the small, idyllically located country hotel “Pati de l`Albera” in St. Climent Sescebes will welcome you there. Once here you can first relax! Depending on arrival and availability, it is possible to make a part of the introduction already.

Day 2: Let’s go!

Destination: Donkey Rach – St. Climent Sescebes

Distance: 7.5 km

Height: ↑ ↓ +50 / -50

The donkey hike starts at the Burrotrek donkey ranch, about 3 km from the accommodation. If you don’t have a own car for the transfer, we can pick you up at the accommodation.

The first step is to get to know our donkeys! You can learn all about the wonderful animals, their character and small, lovable stupidities. In the end, both humans and animal have to feel at ease with each other! Well prepared you then start on the first hike. To get accustomed to the situation we chose a simple route.

This leads to a small winery “La Vinyeta”. Anyone who wants to can get a delicious lunch served there. From there, the trail passes through a charming village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves (Mollet de Peralada). The healing thermal springs of St.Climent de Sescebes are the last item on today’s agenda. The hike ends in Sant Climent at the accommodation.

Day 3 – Menhir and Dolmen

Destination: St. Climent Sesebes – Espolla

Distance: 10 km

Height: ↑ ↓ + 200/-170

Along the l’Anyet river the path goes to Vilartoli, a picturesque village nestled in the beautiful landscape of the old Empordà. Of course you also pass through the Albera National Park. Menhir and dolmen give the landscape a mystical touch, and the fragrance of thyme and rosemary is omnipresent. Past a small lake you can reach Espolla, a Mediterranean village and valued wine growing area of our region. The former castle of the village (Can Salas) is tonight’s accommodation. Self-catering or a restaurant visit: both are possible!

Day 4 – Through the Nature Park

Destination: Espolla – Rabòs

Distance: 9 km

Height: ↑ ↓ +180 / -200

The Orlina river accompanies today’s path. The goal is a wonderfully located picnic area on the banks of the river. There is the possibility of a botanical tour through the middle of wild nature, along the river. This tour has a length of 2.3 kilometers – the donkey may take a break during this time.

Continue through the enchanting Albera Natue Park. One of the impressive inhabitants of park is the Golden Eagle, which draws its extensive rounds in the blue sky. The fantastic view of the Gulf of Roses thrills any nature lover. Continue downhill, past dolmen, unspoiled nature and always in the direct vicinity of the river. We are approaching the home of the Mediterranean tortoise and the medieval village Rabós, which is nestled into a terraced hill. Our destination for the night is the “Bed & Breakfast Rabós”. A cozy restaurant is also available here for an individual dinner.

Day 5 – Vines and Olive Trees

Destination: Rabós – Garriguella

Distance: 10.5 km

Height: ↑ ↓ + 130 / -140

Today, vineyards and olive groves characterize the picture presented by the Mediterranean landscape. The first destination is the charming village Vilamaniscle. From there it goes through a cork oak forest to a turtle hatchery. Well worth a visit! Today’s route ends at the Can Coll, a typical local accommodation. Here you can relax in the Jacuzzi and let the day fade away. It is possible to enjoy a delicious, individual dinner in the restaurant.

Day 6 – Let’s go to the Beach!

Destination: Garriguella – Colera

Distance: 16km

Height: ↑ ↓ + 350/-400

Today you can expect the sea! The path leads you over the Sierra through a deserted, hidden valley. Ancient Ruins stand as witnesses of bygone eras. The barren landscape has its very special charm! The view lies on the blue Mediterranean sea, all the way to the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula (Cap de Creus) where the mountains plunge into the sea.

Continue past the ruins of a castle and the abandoned village of Molina. From here you wander down into the valley to the village Colera, located by the sea. Here your hotel and an individual dinner await you. Looking at the waves and walking along the beach, the day ends perfectly.

Day 7 – At the Beach

Destination: Colera – Colera (round trip)

Distance: 7km

Height: ↑ ↓ +80 / -80

This day is all about the sea. You are walking along the beach and discovering small bays. If you like, walk part of the way barefoot and enjoy the feeling of the sand under your feet.

The Nature Reserve Cap Ras with its rugged cliffs and its vegetation, which has been shaped by the winds, is very close. Go on a small excursion to this place, it is worth it! Whoever wants to take a more relaxed approach, however, can take a break and relax on the beach.

Day 8 – Adios Amigos

Today we say goodbye! A wonderful time with the donkeys in a lovely region lies behind you and you are on your way home. Maybe you will find your way back to us and our donkeys in Catalonia soon? We would be delighted!

Hasta la vista!

Information:

– Maximum number of participants: 10 people

– The trail is, except in the hot summer months (July-August) available throughout the year and the dates are freely selectable if donkeys are available, .

– Transport cost for this trail for 1-3 donkeys: € 42.00

– Please when you do the booking of the accommodation specify them, that you do a donkey trekking with Burrotrek.

– If you wish that we organize the accommodation, that’s no problem, but we have to charge an administration fee and Taxes. Accommodations have to be paid in cash after arriving there.

– For lunch, there is the possibility to buy food in the shops in the villages, or from most accommodations it is possible to get a pick-nick. If you want a pick-nick, please inform the accomodation in advance.

– For dinner every eavening you can have a meal in a restaurant near the accomodation. Except in Rabós, here you have to organize yourself in the evening. In the Casas Rurales you can use the kitchen.

– For the walk, we recommend the map of Alt Emporda, Editorial Alpina, 1: 50’000